Basic Blues Nation staff predictions: Penn State vs Ohio State

Today, the Penn State football team will play in a legacy-defining game. For seniors, this will be the last chance they get to defeat Ohio State. For others, this will be the last chance they get until 2025 based on the new Big Ten football schedule. Regardless, Penn State needs to win this game for the sake of James Franklin and the coaching staff, the fan base, and the players. But how does the Basic Blues Nation staff see this matchup going?

Basic Blues Nation Staff Predictions: Penn State vs. Ohio State

Morgan Chapman (@BasicBluesPod) – Site Manager: Penn State 21 – Ohio State  17

If you aren’t juiced up for this game, you’re a fan or playing at the wrong school. The Penn State football team has a shot at shifting the narrative around the program today and I believe they will get the job done. It won’t be easy, but the defensive line takes over the game and the Nittany Lions have a game-winning drive late when Drew Allar delivers. Rejoice Nittany Nation and trust that the Blue and White will find a way today.

Jaret Gold (@JaretGold) – Contributor: Ohio State 23 – Penn State 20

Shane Lunnen (@SJLunnen) – Contributor: Penn State 17 – Ohio State 13

The much-anticipated game is finally here. Penn State absolutely has to beat the Buckeyes or the Wolverines this year to have a chance at achieving its season goals. I feel like they match up better with Ohio State than Michigan. James Franklin built this program to beat Ohio State. The Nittany Lions have speed and athleticism in the areas they need to beat the Buckeyes.

Both defenses are really good. Both offenses have shown they can put up points but shown some weaknesses at the same time. Penn State’s edge in this one appears to be their defensive line versus the Ohio State offensive line. This is where I feel Penn State can wreak havoc in Ohio State’s backfield leading to a couple of turnovers.

Points will be at a premium and while the logical part of my brain says pick the Buckeyes, my heart says Nittany Lions. My confidence level may be about 60/40 but I’ve been picking Penn State in this one since the preseason and I’m not changing horses now.

Colin Crissey  (@ColinPat3) – Contributor: Penn State 24 – Ohio State 21

I expect this game will be a great one. This game will be a defensive game as both teams have elite defenses. The matchup to watch out for is Penn State’s offense versus Ohio State’s defense. The Nittany Lions have prioritized the short passing game all season; Ohio State will give up short completions to limit the big play. Additionally, Penn State’s run game has been the best in the Big Ten, and Ohio State has struggled against the run against better offensive lines. The game rests in the hands of who can change their philosophy and who can do it better. I expect this one to come down to a special teams play. This game will have 2016 written all over it (including the score). I think the Nittany Lions will get one of the biggest wins in the James Franklin era.

Mark Gobbie (@TheYinzerLion) – Contributor: Ohio State 28 – Penn State 26

The moment we’ve all been waiting for. Can Drew Allar rise to the occasion? Can the edge rushers make Kyle McCord’s life hell? Can James Franklin get the monkey off his back? We will find out on Saturday. Unfortunately for the Nittany Lions, the game is going to be in a very hostile environment. In my mind, that’s good for at least 3 points for Ohio State, which could be the deciding factor. I cannot predict a Nittany Lion victory in Columbus until I actually witness it. I think while the team performs at a high level, they fall behind late in the game and can’t overcome, much like we’ve seen in the past.

Pat Sweda (@PatrickSweda) – Social Media Director/Contributor: Ohio State 17 – Penn State 14

The Buckeyes have been what has kept James Franklin from reaching that next level. While I think the Nittany Lions have the talent and the momentum to beat Ohio State, it is going to be difficult to get out of Columbus with a win. I think this year will be closer to the 2008 matchup which was a low-scoring slugfest. Maybe Drew Allar will have the game of his life and the defense will shut down Marvin Harrison Jr. leading to a Penn State win. That’s what I will be rooting for, but sometimes reality is different. Hopefully, I’m wrong but sometimes you have to see it to believe it.

Matt Thomas (@MGAT1408) – Editor-in-Chief: Ohio State 31 – Penn State 24

This should be the year that Penn State football beats Ohio State. After six long years of waiting, this is the season the Nittany Lions have both the talent and the depth to take one from the Buckeyes.

We probably know more about Ohio State at this point in the season. But that could work in Penn State’s favor. I think we’ll find that the Nittany Lion offense has a few more explosive plays up its sleeve than Mike Yurcich and company has been letting on. While it’s impossible to completely shut down a team like Ohio State, the Nittany Lions defense is one of the best in the nation and will put the Nittany Lions in a position to win late.

All that said, seeing is believing. While I think the Nittany Lions have the pieces to win this game, what I’ve seen over the last half-decade is a team that can get close, but can’t get across the finish line. I have to go with the Buckeyes until I’m shown otherwise.

How to watch Penn State vs. Ohio State:

Saturday’s matchup between Penn State and Ohio State will kick off at 12:00 p.m. on FOX. Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt will be on the call for one of the biggest games of the season. Buckle up everyone.

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